EPA Panel Gives StarLink Report

December 6, 2000

The Environmental Protection Agency's Scientific Advisory Panel issued its report Tuesday, saying available information indicates there is a "medium likelihood" that the protein in StarLink corn is a potential allergen. With low levels in the U.S. diet, there would be a "low probability" of allergic reactions in people exposed to the corn.

While the panel declined to speculate on the sensitization to StarLink, it did note that children may be more sensitive than adults and the study of infant diets should be given high priority. The panel recommended as its highest priority that individuals who claim to have experienced adverse effects from StarLink corn consumption be studied as soon as possible to determine whether StarLink was the source of the reactions.

EPA had asked the expert panel to provide an independent scientific assessment on the potential allergenicity, sensitization and possible exposure to StarLink corn. StarLink presently is not licensed for use in food consumed by humans. Aventis, the manufacturer, has asked for a time-limited exemption to allow StarLink corn in food products, which EPA currently is reviewing.

"Both the panel's recommendations and the public comments that were submitted will be used to guide the EPA during the scientific evaluation of StarLink," said Stephen Johnson, EPA deputy assistant administrator. "EPA will continue its evaluation of the scientific information, and develop the appropriate regulatory approach in response to the StarLink situation to ensure protection of public health and continued consumer confidence in the safety and integrity of the food supply."

EPA, the Food and Drug Administration, and the USDA are working together on the StarLink situation and have begun to take several steps recommended by the panel to continue a thorough assessment, including:

–A follow-up investigation of incidents reported by individuals to evaluate whether StarLink residues may have caused allergic reactions;

–The evaluation of new data to determine what extent processing has on StarLink protein residues in processed food;

–A review of new and existing analytical methods for measuring levels of StarLink protein in processed foods;

–A continued focused monitoring of the food supply to determine whether residues of StarLink corn are present.